summary
Introduced
10/09/2025
10/09/2025
In Committee
10/09/2025
10/09/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Under current law, only qualified electors may register to vote and vote in an election. A qualified elector is a U.S. citizen age 18 or older who has resided in an election district or ward for 28 consecutive days. Under this bill, an individual who is age 16 or 17 but who is otherwise eligible to vote in Wisconsin may preregister to vote. An individual who preregisters under the bill may not vote in an election unless he or she is at least 18 years of age on election day. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
AI Summary
This bill would allow individuals who are 16 or 17 years old to preregister to vote in Wisconsin, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements for voting (such as being a U.S. citizen and residing in the election district). Preregistered voters would not be included on official voter registration lists until they reach the age of 18, at which point they would become eligible to actually cast a ballot. The bill modifies existing statutes to create a new section on preregistration and updates related sections about voter registration lists and absentee voting to accommodate these young preregistered voters. Specifically, the bill enables 16 and 17-year-olds to complete voter registration forms in advance, but explicitly prevents them from voting until they turn 18 on or before election day. This approach allows young people to take an early step in civic participation by preparing their voter registration in advance, while maintaining the current legal voting age of 18.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (33)
Tim Carpenter (D)*,
Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (D)*,
Dianne Hesselbein (D)*,
LaTonya Johnson (D)*,
Sarah Keyeski (D)*,
Chris Larson (D)*,
Melissa Ratcliff (D)*,
Jeff Smith (D)*,
Jamie Wall (D)*,
Deb Andraca (D),
Margaret Arney (D),
Brienne Brown (D),
Ryan Clancy (D),
Ben DeSmidt (D),
Jodene Emerson (D),
Joan Fitzgerald (D),
Tara Johnson (D),
Darrin Madison (D),
Maureen McCarville (D),
Vincent Miresse (D),
Supreme Moore Omokunde (D),
Greta Neubauer (D),
Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (D),
Lori Palmeri (D),
Christian Phelps (D),
Ann Roe (D),
Joe Sheehan (D),
Christine Sinicki (D),
Lee Snodgrass (D),
Angela Stroud (D),
Shelia Stubbs (D),
Sequanna Taylor (D),
Randy Udell (D),
Last Action
Representative Subeck added as a cosponsor (on 10/10/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb514 |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB514.pdf |
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